Toy or game



March 31, 1936.. c. A. PHlLlPPa Zm TOY OR GAME Filed Sept. 22, 1.954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 3l, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE My invention relates to a toy or game.

The preferred forms of my invention embody ltwo types of elements simulating natural or other objects, one type being displaceable by magnetic s means effected lnvisibly whereas another type ol elements is unaffected by the www means aectlng the displacement oi the Erst-named type, but preferably free to be displaced manually.

A simple application oi my invention is had by lo the employment of suitable mais means, such as a permanent magnet, electromagnet, etc., the type of elements subject to displacement by such magnetic means embodying magnetic material, the type ci elements not subject to magnet displacement being free oi' magnetic influence. The game is played by the interplay oi the elements subject to magnetic movement and the elements not so subject. The game may be played in many varieties of embodiments oi my invention. f

As a toy for children, my invention may take on the form of a farm scene, an aquatic scene, or a combination oi these two terms.

.iin advantageous construction lor elements such as those simulating animals, vla., a horse, a

cow, a pig, etc., ishad by imprinting the simulation on paper, which may be oi single stoclr, or double Stoch. lolded upon itseli, deslrably iprlnted on opposite faces, the leg portions being connected to magnetic material or embodying 3o magnetic material, thereby supporting the element.

Uptimnm realistico results are obtained by so iorming the ngure that oscillation or reciting taires place when the gure is moved by means of the hidden magnet. For the paper :figure type having a magnetic base this result is readily ac complished by an arcuate coguration oi the base, but such life-like ovements can also be obtained by other constructions as be apparent.

Further features and objects oi' the invention will be more iully understood from the following detail description and the accompanying drawings, in which i5 Fig. l is a perspective View or" a complete game set up in condition for playing.

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation on the line t-t of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation and Fig. -i an end elevation of one form oi movable flgure employed showing the means forming part thereoi for permitting rocking movement of the g'ure.

l Fig. 5 is a side elevation and Fig. 6 is an end elevation oi another type of construction for :dgures employed in my game although similar to the animal shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. "I is a perspective view of an all ctie metal animal employed in playing my improved game, showing the oscillating action which re- 5 suits from a ligure of this type.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing a still further form oi animal which may be employed in my improved game. By means oi the rolling steel ball a relatively large lo ngure may be easily motivated.

liig. t is a perspective view oi my invention applied to an aquatic game in which actual water is used in which boats or other moving dgurea oat. yy

Fig. lo is a sectional end elevation on the line iii-l t ci' lig. 9, showing the relatiop between the tenir, the magnet, the boat, the doclm, and the Water.

Fig. 1i is a sectional end elevation on the e pp i i--i i oi Fig. iii shearing means for draining the tant; at tt and one method oi iastening a harbor, etc. to the tank.

Fig. l2 is a sectional end elevation on the e it-i i oi Fig. l0 showing the mec oi a liit py bridge which can be motivated metically trom below, or directly by hand.

Fig. i3 is a side elevation oi one oi the end sections oi' a tant: such as is sho in lilg. 9 show ing the slope oi a side oi the which pre- 3@ vents boats or other heating objects trom adhering to the sides by surface tension; d

Fig. it is a sectional side elevation oi a portion oi a taule, such as is shown in idg. il, showing in section a pier construction and with a heating toy partially :l: crsed in the huidvvithin the tank and adjacent to the pier. lihis vievv also shows how piers, f etc. y be supported on the :door ci the t instead oi iastening same to the sides oi the tanlr, as in liig. 1l. a@

Referring to Figs. l through t, illustrating a form of my invention as applied to a iarmyard assembly, the surface it represents the ground on which are disposed two types ol elements, one type ci animate objects such as a iarmer il, a la horse il, a number of cows it, ita, ith, a number of pigs it, ita, etc., and another type oi manimate objects, namely a. barn it, front lenses it, ita, the latter being provided with a gate il, and a rearward wall and group oi trees; the wail ou being indicated at it and the respective trees at'l9.

'I'hese inanimate objects are preferably free from the base and can be placed in arrangement to suit the will of the player but they can also ,55

within the scope of my invention be permanently fastened to the playing surface I0.

A magnet such as a horseshoe permanent magnet 20 serves as an effective means for invisibly effecting the movement of any selected of the stated elements representing animate objects relative to the stated objects representative of inanimate objects. For such purposes the magnet 20 is conveniently mounted in vertical position upon a stand 2|, which stand serves dually for grasping the magnet assembly and for readily positioning the magnet at any desired location.

Enhanced results are attained by effecting the positions of the poles 20a, i. e. the extremities of the magnet 20 closely adjacent as possible to the objects desired to be displaced but not actually touching the lower face of the playing floor I0, and in the attainment of such purposes the stand 2| is formed to afford vertical adjustable mounting of the poles 29a with respect to the under face of the support I0, as by the stand base 2Gb, see Fig. 2, and threading the member 20c received within such threaded bore or by other suitable means for raising or lowering the magnet. The magnet 20 may be removably secured in position in the forked end of the member 20c, as by means of a positioning screw 29d.

The surface I0 is preferably mounted to be elevated, as by means of oppositely disposed legs 22 of suitable material; the legs 22 may be hinged to the under face of the support i0, as by means of a strip of cloth 24, secured between Wooden or other suitable strips` In such form of support, the legs 22 may be retained in position by stops 26, aixed to a lower base 23. Any other suitable form of collapsible support of the surface l0 may be employed, as for instance by removable legs inserted into holes in the wooden frame 25, Fig. 2, such legs being similar to chair legs, only removable.

The form of mounting of the objects 2, |3 etc. as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, comprises an arcuate base of magneic material, such as tinned sheet iron, see |2, Fig. 2, and I3', Figs. 3 and 4. The assembly of the body of the figure to such base is readily had by bending over edge portions of the base to clamp the feet portions of the respective flgures.

In the type of embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the magnetic material is afforded by the bridging strip |3 while the rest of the animal is preferably non-magnetic, although the entire construction may be of magnetic metal. Under either method, a life-like rocking or walking motion is imparted to the gure when operated by the magnet.

In Fig. '7, the element 30, in this instance representing a cow, may have its body, in whole or major portion thereof, of magnetic material, such as tinned sheet iron, suitably printed or otherwise suitably impressed to represent the animate object, a portion of such magnetic material, such as its tail extending toward the support I9, but terminating a spaced distance therefrom whereby upon positioning the poles of the magnet in proper relation thereto, the element, see dot and dash outline, 30a is rocked or oscllated to impart animation.

In the embodiments as shown in Fig. 8, the body of the element 3| in this instance representing an elephant, may be of any suitable non-magnetic material, suitably imprinted, the body having a lowerly disposed recess 32 for receiving and freely retaining a ball 33 or equivalent of magnetic material. such as steel, vwhich may be coated with nickel or other rust-preventing layer, the stated assembly upon coaction with the magnet 20, or equivalent, be displaceable at the will of the player in the play of. the game, the stated assembly partaking of a highly animated motion when in action.

Such type of my invention is of particular advantage in enabling a relatively large figure to be motivated by a relatively small ball or equivalent of magnetic material and a relatively small magnet.

Figs. 9 through 14 illustrate an aquatic type of my game, embodying for example, a tank constructed to contain water, and further elements provided with magnetic material and accordingly subject to displacement by magnetic cooperation with a magnet 34, or equivalent in association with other elements non-displaceable by such influence but preferably displaceable manually.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9 through 14, the magnetically displaceable elements simulate passenger and cargo ships with which may be associated, as shown, an island, a lighthouse supported on such island, several harbors and piers. In the embodiment illustrated in these figures the water is shown divided into two bodies, a larger body in simulation of a bay or the like and a smaller body in simulation of a harbor.

It will be understood that the relative proportions and the configurations of the respective stated parts may be varied as desired and that floating objects other than ships, such as ducks, swans, bathers, etc. may be employed.

Specifically Figs. 9 through 14 illustrate a body of water 35, the level of which is indicated at 36, contained in a tank 38, shown of rectangular configuration, the sides of the tank being preferably outwardly flaring, the purpose of which will be apparent hereinafter.

Thus, as shown in Figs. 9 and l0, I may associate two docks or piers 39, 40, preferably arranged to be manually positioned at any desired location, and desirably adjacent the rim at any side or sides of the tank. The group of trees indicated at 39a is preferably separate from the dock 39 and movable at will although it may also be made one with the land area. It is advantageous to partially support such docks by suspension from the tank rim. The inner face or faces of the side or sides of the tank may be marked by a line to indicate the desirable water level.

A wharf warehouse 4| is indicated for the dock 40 but may desirably be movable.

'Ihe island 42 may be supported directly upon the floor of the tank. The lighthouse 43 is shown supported upon and movable on the island 42.

The sub-division of the water area, to provide a harbor 44, and enclosed dock 45, may be had by an appropriate dividing element, supported as shown from the rim at one end of the tank. Such dividing element may provide an inlet 46, had by reducing the vertical height of the vertical member of the dividing element. Such inlet may be provided with a lift bridge 41, serving as a draw, to be opened and closed to afford passage of a liner or cargo ship or other floating object through the inlet 46. Such division of the total body of water thus provides for the larger body of water 48 exterior of the harbor 44.

In carrying out my game, the tank 38 is suitably elevated, as by means of the two sets of legs 49, 49, the magnetic device 34 being positioned under the bottom 38a of the tank, the height of the legs, 49, 49, being selected and/or the adjustaoaove ment oi? the magnetic device correspondingly made, to enable the magnetic device 34 to be received below the bottom 38a of the tank.

An alternate construction for elevating the t is to have removable legs, one at each corner, inserted at will into holes or slots connected with the tank construction. These legs may be similar to the legs of a chair only removable.

lin Figs. 9 and 10, are illustrated two magnetically movable elements indicative oi any type oi ship or other floating object respectively designated 5t, 5l. The body of each of such water craft may be made of wood or other suitable material, having appropriate configuration, with suitable painted indications to simulate the objects represented. Each such water craft further embodies magnetic material such as a strip oi' iron, see 52, Fig. 13, at the keel or otherwise suitably attached to each such element, or it is possible to make the entire boat of magnetic metal in which case no additional strip of iron is needed.

i Comparing Figs. 9 and 10, the play oi the game is carried out by the proper displacement of the magnet assembly 3d relative to the liner 5t, to displace the liner from the main body dit of Water through the inlet i6 into the harbor lid, the final position of the liner being that indicated in dotted outline in Fig. 10. Fig. l0 further shows the magnetic device 34 in quiescent position and in magnetic influential relationwith the liner 5i, preparatory for the desired movement of the same, or if desired, for anchoring the liner ei at its indicated position.

Fig. 1l shows a stopper 55 serving as a plug for closing the opening 155a in the bottom 38a oi the tank, 38, such opening serving upon removal of the plug for the discharge' of the water therefrom, the island serving to conceal the plug. If desired, the water may be discharged from the tank by forming a lip or the like at an appropriate location of the rim of the tank, say, at the' center of the rim at one end of the tank.

Fig. 12 shows further developments of the principles of my game, namely the provision of the members 53, 53, serving as counterweights for the two lift bridges 41. Such counterweights 53 and/or members for connecting the same with the respective draw-bridge elements 41, may be of or embodying magnetic material, adapted to be operated by the magnet from bridge-closing position of each or both of the draw-bridge members 41 to bridge-opening position. Each counter- Weight per se may be selected of a suitable mass to be retained in bridge opening position while under the influence of the magnetic device 35, but upon removal of the magnetic device 34, each bridge element 41 returns under gravity to its bridge-closing position.

Fig. 13 illustrates the advantage of forming one or more rims of the tank 38, specifically an end rim 38h of outwardly sloping contour, thus minimizing the area of contact of any element and hence the cohesion, such as the water craft 5l, when brought into contact with such rim.

Fig. 14 .shows an alternate construction of a dock 56 or other of the non-magnetic type of objects, of suitable sheet material adapted to rest directly upon the bottom ita oi the tank, the water front side 51a of such dock being vantageously oi outwardly flaring formation to minimize sticking" of an element such as a liner tt, etc. when brought into physical contact therewith.

As appears from above, my invention relates to a highly life-like game or toy suitable for play either as a land or water game or as a combination of these two types.

For example, l2 contemplate to combine the land and water features by bordering the water tank, as illustrated, completely or in part with land areas which could in part resemble the farm scene as illustrated. in such inter-relation of the land and water types, the life-like play qualities of my invention are still further enhanced.

My invention in whatever iorrn it may be embodied, provides a high degree ot interest, and play, first in the arrangement of the non-magnetic types of objects, secondly, in the life-like motivation of the oscillating land figures and in the free movement or" the ships or other water objects, and thirdly, in the infinite variety or interplay between the magnetic and non-magnetic i types of play elements.

claim:

l. lin a game, the combination of a playing surface, a plurality oi game elements disposed on the surface, certain of said game elements including magnetic material, certain others of same game elements being of a scenic nature and adapted to be manually movable on said surface, and a magnet assembly disposed beneath the playing surface, and movable manually to any point under the surface, whereby the game elements including magnetic material, may be moved about the playing surface and relative to the others of said game elements.

2. In a game, the combination of a playing surface of water in a shallow tank, magnetic means freely movable beneath the tank, and a plurality of aquatic game elements, certain of said game elements being floating elements and including magnetic material arranged in the lower portion of the game elements, to afford displacement of same on the surface of the water by movement of said magnet means, certain others of said aquatic game elements being of a scenic nature and immune from magnetic influence and movably supported on the tank bottom or sides, and relative to which the floating game elements are caused to move by the magnet means.

3. In a game, the combination of a playing surfalce of water in a. shallow tank, an adjacent land playing surface, magnet means freely movable beneath the tank and the land surface, a plurality of floating game elements, magnetic material forming a part of each of said game elements, a plurality of land game elements, magnetic material forming a part of each of saidland game elements, non-magnetic scenic elements manually movable in said tank, and other non-magnetic scenic elements manually movable on said land surface, and relative to which the magnetic elements are caused to move.

- CARL A. PHILIPPI.

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